Scholastic changed their cover photo on Facebook this week to begin their new initiative “Open a World of Possible” So this got me thinking, how do you open a world of possible for your little ones? As a creative family, we are always trying to show our children many possible ways to develop their creativity and pursue their dreams. We use these resources as a way to inspire our children’s creativity by experiencing others’ creativity in a variety of ways.

Take a Look! It’s in a Book

In every room in our house you will find a bookshelf with a collection of books fitting that room. The girls room has a few picture books, but mostly beginner and young reader chapter books. Though, since this is Sammi’s room, there’s also a few nonfiction reads, too. She loves her National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space and often writes reports from what she’s learned in this book. The boys room has lots of board books for Ben and longer picture books for Scott. The front room has library books, Brent’s medical books, more kids books and my collection of parenting, reading, and creative books. The craft room has idea books for crafts and play.

Reading opens the way for discussing new ideas or emotions. It’s often easier for young children to understand complex ideas or emotions when they see it in action in a story. These stories create a framework for helping kids navigate their experiences. One of our favorite reads for dealing with big emotions is Where the Wild Things Are. Books also provide great examples of problem solving, another complex skill for little ones to develop. The Paper Bag Princess and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel are great ones for thinking through a plan of action.

Reading also introduces little ones to ideas, places, creatures and cultures they haven’t experienced yet. We received My Grandma Lives in Florida the same time we went to Florida to visit Universal Studios in Orlando. The kids made such a connection with the book and with the state because we were able to pair the book with the trip. We also use stories to create shared memories. I’ve had fun reading my childhood fairytale books to our kids and Brent has had a ball reading Calvin and Hobbes to the kids.

Other Books We Love

To Live Would Be an Awfully Big Adventure

There are so many places to experience and things to try. Our aim is to expose our children to a wide variety arts, opportunities and experiences so they know what’s out there and can see what strikes their interest. In order to dream big I believe it’s necessary to see big. Seeing big is experiencing talented people showcasing their talent.

There are a few activities I think are foundational that every child should have the opportunity to experience. Seeing animals at the zoo or birds at an aviary or even visiting a local conservation center that rehabilitates wild animals help children develop compassion for animals and a desire to protect them and their environment.

One of our first trips whenever we move somewhere new is to the local children’s museum. These are usually full of science and real world activities for kids to explore. Children by nature are scientists and museums geared to maximize their inquisitive nature is another example of talented people inspiring kids through those talents.

We also love to visit museums that explore the arts. Our local museum, The Corning Museum of Glass, has amazing glass artworks as well as hands on booths for kids and adults to see the principles of glass making in action. Our favorite part of this museum, though, are the live demonstrations of glass blowing. Talented people sharing their talents!

Historical museums add value to understanding our human story. As we’ve visited local historical sites and listened to guides tell us about life and important events that happened there, we are inspired to carry on their legacy. We have moved a bit and learning the local history has helped us connect and feel at home in each new location.

Another way we connect with the land is through gardening. Our kids have loved watching plants grow and produce food. They have been willing to try new foods. I am not blessed with a green thumb and while we try, we have always gardened on a very small scale. This year we found local berry patches and an orchard where we have been able to see the bounty of hard work and talent. We’ve picked apples, raspberries and blueberries. Our freezer is full of berries! And we have made some cherished memories. We even were able to witness tree grafting first hand as a grandfather taught his grandsons who were learning the trade of apple tree growing.

Let’s Watch a YouTube Video on That!

There are so many cool things to see and learn, but I can’t personally show them all to my kids. So when we see something that sparks their interest, we usually follow up with some YouTube videos so we can really see how something works or what something is.

As we were walking home from school the other day a boy rode by on his bike. It had pegs for doing tricks and the kids asked me about them since his bike looked different from theirs. So we talked about how people do tricks on bikes. This was something that I am in no way capable of demonstrating for them so we turned to YouTube!

Some days we are faced with mounds of clean laundry to sort and fold. To help us tackle the task, we watch YouTube videos on cake decorating. Our favorite channel is Cookies, Cupcakes and Cardio. Watching these videos inspires the kids to want to develop their artistic side and helps the work pass more enjoyably.

One of our all time favorite videos for seeing talented people in all their creative glory is What Does the Fox Say? I’m still so impressed with their creativity in the music, the lyrics, the costuming. Everything about it exudes talent!

Music is what feelings sound like

Music can open a world of possible for our children by helping them feel the emotions that come with life. We use music as a springboard for creative projects, for discussing emotions, and for learning. Some of our go-to choices are kid-specific musicians. But these artists know how to rock! We love Recess Monkey, a trio of teachers who are beyond talented and quite prolific. Their latest album, Wired, is super energetic. This album includes an ode to legos, the entrepreneur spirit, and experiences familiar to children.

When children feel loved, then they are in a safe place from which they can explore a world of possible. Raffi, yes THE Raffi of our childhood, released his first album in 12 years this summer. Love Bug explores the emotion of love, what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to young children. Our kids sings these songs while going about their play.

Our number one go-to kindie musician is Bari Koral. She most definitely knows how to open a world of possible for young children through music and movement. From her yoga videos to her newest album The Apple Tree and The Honey Bee our kids have discovered their strength, their humor and a way to express their experiences.

The Games People Play

The final way we open a world of possible for our children is through games. Games teach so much more than taking turns and sportsmanship. Kilter from SimplyFun teaches physics and problem solving. Even our 6 year old found this game engaging and fun. We also love playing Monopoly Jr and Catan Jr. Both of these games introduce complex game play in a manageable format while still being fun for the grown ups to play. These games get our kids thinking creatively about strategy, consequences, and keeping positive. Such amazing skills for little ones to take into the world as they explore and discover what they can make possible.

Open a World of Possible With Scholastic

This new initiative is designed to help young children become life long independent readers. And they have Usher hosting a webcast 11/6.

Today is our Music Club kick off for the new school year! I’m so excited to get to do this music-themed playgroup each month. We have had so much fun watching little ones enjoy music, play and crafting. This month’s theme is FRIENDSHIP. We have some great songs lined up.

Friendship Themed Playlist

Circle of Friends by The Sunflowers on Gratitude Attitude from Recess Music

We’ve been crafting up a Valentine’s Day storm around here! The girls have been cutting hearts and writing love notes for the last several days. I’m excited to share what we’ve done, but first, we need a soundtrack for all that crafting. Here are some of our favorite LOVE-themed songs that perfectly complement any Valentine’s Day crafting.

While listening to Pandora, either my Bari Koral Station or my Roger Day Station, I came across a gem of a song. This was a song that was so good I actually stood up quickly and rushed to the iPod to write down the artist and song before it ended.

His most recent album came out last year and is called Love Me For Who I Am. The songs celebrate children of all abilities and were inspired by children at a school in New Jersey who are affected by Autism and related disorders. I love that he is also performing at the Autism Speaks Walk in New York on October 7.

These are our current favorites. The ones where I actually look for the CD so we can listen to that one song (and then usually enjoy the rest of the album, too.) These songs brighten our moods, get us moving, laughing and enjoying each other.

Once again we are excited to tell you about the latest musical sweetness from Bari Koral. We have enjoyed listening to her newest album Anna and the Cupcakes. Just perfect for Valentine’s Day is the first single off the album “Hearts.” Give it a watch.

Arms are for big, big hugs! We love Bari’s upbeat music and positive messages. Her last album, Rock and Roll Garden, is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers with its easy to hear and follow lyrics. It guides the littlest ones on a journey of music and movement. The songs are playful and center around themes familiar to little ones.

In Anna and the Cupcakes Bari Koral presents songs for a slightly older crowd. Don’t get me wrong, Elli (3) also loves the CD but these songs are perfect for Sammi (5). The songs tell stories and include such wonderful imagery. Sammi loves the songs Butterfly and Gingerbread Man. While still upbeat, the overall feel of this album is calmer and more mature. It sets a mood of creativity and storytelling. I love watching our kids play while and after listening to the album Anna and the Cupcakes.

Bari Koral’s latest album Anna and the Cupcakes is available today on Amazon.com and on her website barikoral.com. Happy Valentine’s Day and sweet listening.

The giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner, Heather!

We’re excited to be able to offer a free copy of Anna and the Cupcakes to one lucky BBGU reader!

To enter the giveaway for your copy, please leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced next Tuesday. Giveaway closes Monday night, Feb 20, 2012 at 10 pm EST.

We received an advance copy of Anna and the Cupcakes from Bari Koral to assist in our review. The opinions in this review are our own. The giveaway is open to US residents 18 yrs and older. The winner will be chosen at random and emailed with information on receiving the CD. The winner will also be announced on the blog on Tues Feb 21, 2012.

We were listening to our Bari Koral station on Pandora today when Brent said to me, “I’m so excited for Bari’s new album to come out! When is that again?” “Why it’s Valentine’s Day, dear!” I replied. It’s a cheesey intro, I know. But it was a real conversation. So if you, like us, love Bari Koral, I thought I’d share her news with you.

So the other day Brent came home from his test telling me that he had The Backpack Song stuck in his head all day. He said even after that, and trying to take a test while it was running through his head, he still liked it! Yes, it’s that great of a song. You may remember when we reviewed Bari Koral’s new album back in November. It’s one album that we still listen to frequently.

Not more than a day later I got an email from Bari Koral saying they had just made their first music video. And the song they chose was none other than The Backpack Song! I shared it with the girls and they were wild about it. It’s a fun video for a fun song. Check it out!